Visual feedback

Spectrum image display

During spectrum image (SI) acquisition, each SI is displayed in its own image display. The spectrum image will fill as the spectral data is acquired and placed into position in the SI. You can use the 3D visualization tools to explore the spectral data while the acquisition is running (e.g., Slice tool), however, since there is a processing overhead for this that may introduce artifacts into your data acquisition, it is advised to do this after acquisition or while paused.

Live spectra

Live spectral feedback during acquisition can be enabled or disabled with the Live button in the STEM-SI palette. You can manipulate the live spectra using the standard tools for line plot display visualization.

Beam position cursor

During acquisition, an orange beam cursor marks the beam position on the survey image. This serves as an indicator of the acquisition progress, and its position may very slightly from that of the beam. Note for particularly fast acquisitions, the cursor is displayed as line or even completely disabled.

Pixels per second

The actual SI acquisition rate is posted to the DigitalMicrograph® status area at the bottom of the application. It is given in units of pixels per second. This information can be useful when you configure a spectrometer for optimal readout speed.

Time remaining

The remaining acquisition time is displayed real time in the STEM-SI palette just above the Capture button. This time is based on the actual acquisition rate, excluding any pauses.